Initial D gained immense popularity in the 2000s, captivating audiences around the world. It’s quite uncommon for a racing manga to enjoy such longevity and to inspire numerous successful adaptations for both television and film, especially one that focuses on the art of drifting.
Initial D is a title that many anime fans from a few decades back are familiar with, but its sequel, MF Ghost, seems to fly under the radar, especially outside of Japan. Recently, Felix Film adapted it into an anime with international distribution, yet it hasn’t captured the same level of interest, even though it’s available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
The manga has been ongoing since 2017 and has released 21 compiled volumes, which is quite impressive! It has definitely garnered a dedicated fanbase, particularly in Japan. However, it’s approaching its conclusion soon, as the story will reach the peak of its “final battle” on January 10, coinciding with the next issue of Young Magazine.
There have been a couple of breaks recently. The first hiatus lasted from November 2022 to February 2023 because of Shuuichi Shigeno’s health issues. Then, it took another pause from April 2023 to June 2023 as it began its final arc.
“Climax” Usually Means “Ending”
Manga magazines often use the term “climax” to describe the peak moments in a narrative. However, some writers might apply it to other intense scenes throughout the story, particularly in less conventional serializations. While it’s usually linked to the story’s conclusion, it can also signify the end of a serialization phase, especially for tales that experience lengthy pauses between chapters.
This usage differs a bit from the traditional literary idea of a “climax,” which refers to the peak of tension that leads to a resolution, but doesn’t always mean the story is about to end. This distinction might confuse some readers.
Rally Races with Eurobeat
The series Initial D centers around Takumi Fujiwara, a teenager who navigates the world of illegal street racing in his vintage Toyota AE86, set against the backdrop of Gunma Prefecture’s mountains. Despite the age of his vehicle, Takumi’s remarkable talent enables him to triumph over quicker cars. The anime is not only known for its thrilling races and impressive drifting scenes but also for its energetic Eurobeat music, which has garnered a loyal following among fans who appreciate this distinctive soundtrack.